Alan Cummings (singer-songwriter, guitar, vocals) was born and raised on Tyneside but left when he was eighteen to study chemistry in London. He has had an interesting “proper” career, starting in the pharmaceuticals industry, moving on to conservation and restoration of paintings for institutions like the National Portrait Gallery, and ending up as a Professor and Pro-Rector of the Royal College of Art in South Kensington. In parallel, he has been writing and performing his music in one way or another since the 1970s.

 

In the late 70s Alan co-wrote the theme song for cult spoof horror movie Monster Club and appeared in the film with his band The Viewers. His kids still think it's the best thing he's ever done. In the early 80s he made two albums and toured in Europe and around the UK with his band Perfect Zebras before making the decision to focus on his academic career and being a dad. He "retired" in 2014 with the aim of resuming his musical life and that's what's happening with Little Beach. Their album The River and Other Tales presents 13 of Alan’s songs from the many he has written, some old, some new.